Radio Frequency Testing

Before entering the market, Bluetooth speakers need to complete relevant certification procedures, among which NCC certification is one of the important steps. For Bluetooth speakers planned to be sold in specific markets, completing NCC certification is a prerequisite for compliant listing. Certification fees are a key concern for manufacturers. The following will systematically introduce the cost composition and influencing factors related to the NCC certification of Bluetooth speakers.

I. Basic Concepts of NCC Certification

The full name of NCC certification is the certification of the Taiwan Communications Commission. This organization is mainly responsible for regulating communication and information equipment that circulates and is used in specific markets. According to the different types of equipment, they are mainly divided into two categories: high-quality types are low-power devices, including Bluetooth and WIFI devices; The second category is communication terminal equipment, including mobile phones and tablet devices. Bluetooth speakers are low-power radio frequency devices, so they need to be certified in accordance with relevant regulations.

The certification scope covers low-power RF motors with operating frequencies ranging from 9kHz to 300GHz, including wireless network products, Bluetooth products, wireless keyboards, wireless mice, wireless headphones and microphones, etc. Bluetooth speakers, as typical low-power radio frequency devices, can only be legally sold after obtaining NCC certification.

Ii. Main Components of Certification Fees

The cost of NCC certification for Bluetooth speakers mainly consists of the following parts:

1. Testing fees: This is the main component of the certification cost. According to the requirements of the NCC, Bluetooth speakers need to undergo multiple professional tests, including RF testing, bandwidth occupancy testing, output power and power density testing, in-band spurious testing, and radiated spurious testing, etc. These tests need to be conducted in an approved laboratory and will incur corresponding testing fees.

2. Application Fee: The administrative cost incurred when submitting an application to the certification body, including the cost of document review, data processing and other links.

3. Technical Service fee: If a professional agency is entrusted to assist in handling the certification, corresponding technical service fees will be incurred. This part of the cost includes professional services such as document preparation, sample submission guidance, and problem rectification.

4. Certificate Maintenance fee: The annual maintenance cost that may occur during the validity period of the certificate after obtaining the certification.

Iii. Key Factors Affecting Certification Fees

The certification fee is not fixed and is mainly affected by the following factors:

1. Product complexity: Compared with products that integrate multiple wireless functions, ordinary Bluetooth speakers have different testing items and difficulties, which will lead to cost differences. For instance, products that support both Bluetooth and WIFI functions require more items to be tested.

2. Testing cycle: Regular testing usually takes a certain number of working days. If expedited processing is required, additional charges will be incurred.

3. Certification bodies: The charging standards of different certification bodies vary. Choosing different service providers will affect the overall cost.

4. Number of product modifications: If the initial test of the product fails, it needs to be modified and retested. Each modification and retest will increase the cost.

Iv. Preparation of Materials Required for Certification

To apply for NCC certification, complete technical documents need to be prepared. The preparation status of these documents will also indirectly affect the cost. The required documents include: user manual, BOM table, PCB routing diagram, block diagram, PCB position number diagram, circuit schematic diagram, wireless module specification sheet, wireless module antenna specification sheet, fixed-frequency operation instructions, product labels, etc. Incomplete preparation of materials will affect the certification progress and may lead to additional costs.

V. Explanation of Fee Scope

The total cost of NCC certification for Bluetooth speakers usually falls within a certain range depending on the specific circumstances of the product and the selected service provider. The certification cost for Bluetooth speakers with simple functions is relatively low, while the cost for products with complex functions will increase accordingly. The specific cost needs to be determined based on the actual functions of the product and the selected service plan.

Vi. Suggestions for Cost Control

To reasonably control the certification cost, the following measures are recommended:

Plan the certification time in advance to avoid additional costs caused by expedited processing.

2. Choose a professional and reliable certification service agency to ensure a first-time pass rate.

3. Prepare complete technical materials in advance to reduce the frequency of supplementation and modification.

4. Clearly define the product's functional positioning to avoid unnecessary functions that increase the difficulty of certification.

In summary, the NCC certification fee for Bluetooth speakers is a comprehensive cost concept that is influenced by multiple factors. When planning the launch of their products, manufacturers should take certification fees into account in their budgets and leave appropriate flexibility. By understanding the certification requirements in advance and making full preparations, it is possible to control the certification cost more effectively while ensuring compliance.